Table of Contents
Introduction
Air compressors are among the most commonly used power tools as they provide easy and quick ways to power various tools. Air compressors are mechanical tools used to increase pressure incompressible fluids or gas, mostly gas. They supply the airflow in a system. When air is compressed, it is usually under pressure more significant than that of the normal pressure, and it ideally attempts to return to its normal state. Air compressors are designed to compress air to high levels and harness this potential energy source. It is quite necessary to know that pressure affects the rate at which work is done in the compressor.
Air compressors power many different kinds of devices. It is used in turbines and can be used to push the piston. Air compressors provide torque and rotation power for pneumatic tools. Pneumatic tools are compressed air-driven power tools powered by an air compressor rather than electricity. Examples of these include screwdrivers, drills, riveting guns.
How Does an Air Compressor Work?
An air compressor comes in three parts. They are as follows:
- THE DRIVE
The drive ensures that the machine in which it is to be used generates enough energy to power the compressor. It also eliminates energy wastage. Compressor drives are mostly belt-driven systems. Belt-driven systems work as a result of turns or movement in the motor, in the process turning the belt too, in all, activating the pump in the system.
- THE PUMP
The pump is described as the center of the activities of the compressor. Using power from the device’s electric motor or gasoline engine draws in air and compresses it.
- THE STORAGE TANK
This is where the compressed air is stored, ready for use when needed.
The working principle of an air compressor involves two methods of air displacement. To compress air, the compressor’s internal components have to change position to mechanically force the air through the storage tank where it is compressed and stored until usage.
Positive Displacement
In this method, the air is pulled into a chamber that opens and closes, where the pump reduces the volume of the room and compresses the air. When the cycle is complete, the air is then pushed through the chamber and into the tank where it waits to be used.
Dynamic (Non-Positive) Displacement
Using rotating blades on an impeller to pull air back into the system, the blades’ movement’s energy creates air pressure. An impeller is a multi-bladed propeller fitted tightly in the middle of a closed circular pipe. This method of air compression produces large volumes of compressed air quickly. Air compressors that utilize this displacement method are reserved for industry-related activities that require large volume flow rates and constant pressure.
Key Features
- Pressure Switch
- Thermal Overload Protection
- Air Filters
How To Quiet An Air Compressor
The noise generated by an air compressor is loud. Most standard air compressors produce a range of 70 – 90 dB, and if the air compressor lacks maintenance, it will even create a higher level of noise. If an air compressor produces less than 70-dB of noise, it can be considered tolerable. These levels of noise are not modest for human hearing and can damage hearing ability. There are several potential causes of the loud noises that an air compressor makes.
Vibration is a significant reason for the high noise in an air compressor, although it is not the main factor. The vibrating noise made mainly depends on how well the air compressor is set up. The tendency for it to start vibrating a lot is high if not set up correctly.
Other causes of the loud noises that emit from the air compressor are the materials the air compressor is made of, where it is placed, the intake component of an air compressor, and the exhaust system.
Listed below are ways to minimize the noise made by an air compressor and keep it minimal.
Lubricate the bearings
An air compressor has moveable parts; hence it also possesses bearings. When operating the compressor, the paths will move in dissimilar pathways, thereby causing friction between the surfaces in contact. It causes turbulent noise if not well sustained. Lubricating the bearings by applying grease products to minimize the conflict will also reduce the noise level.
Getting a Sound-Proof Box for The Compressor
Creating a sound-proof box for the air compressor is an effective way to quiet it. For this, cardboard or plywood can be used. Make the box to be the same size as the compressor. When completed, use a sound-absorbing material, preferably rubber padding, to surround the box. Put the machine(air compressor) inside this box. This will keep the noise minimal and within the box, all at a tolerable level.
Cover the Air Compressor with Sound-Proof Blanket
Sound-proof blankets are made of fiberglass or polyester material with the ability to absorb sound while also providing insulation. Cover the whole air compressor parts with the blanket. This will make it quiet.
Using Rubber Grommets
A rubber grommet is an excellent absorbing material and can be used in an air compressor. Place it between the air compressor and the surface where it is to be put on. It works by reducing vibration, hence making the air pump quiet.
Place a Muffling Device
The air intake in a compressor causes the noise generated in an air compressor, as stated when listing the possible reasons for the high-frequency noise they make while in operation. Intake silencers are customarily constructed for air filtering and as a silencing device. The working principle of an intake silencer is putting up intake air through the use of tubes or sound-suppressing materials that minimizes the sound made by the air rushing in through the air filter while at the same time maintaining the air compressor’s movement of air to the lowest level.
Conclusion
Significant quietness results on the air compressor can be achieved using one or more of the methods listed above. Employ two or more of the approaches to yield results.